Here, we answer the key questions around his seemingly likely departure.

Why is John Terry leaving Chelsea?

Is this the last picture of John Terry in a Chelsea kit (Owen Humphreys/PA)

The Chelsea captain has twice received 12-month contract extensions in recent seasons, in line with club policy for players aged over 30. Now he will not be offered another contract after 18 seasons in the first team at Stamford Bridge.

Why is he so important for Chelsea?

One very excited John Terry (Rebecca Naden/PA)

The 35-year-old is the most recent academy graduate to cement a place in Chelsea's first team. He is idolised by the Chelsea support and a banner in tribute to him at Stamford Bridge reads: "Captain. Leader. Legend."

How long has he played for Chelsea?

John Terry on his Chelsea debut in 1998 (Simon Wilkinson/EMPICS Sport)

Terry made his debut in October 1998, aged 17. He has made over 700 appearances for the Blues (plus six on loan at Nottingham Forest). He has won every major club honour, including the 2012 Champions League and four Premier League titles.

What's next for Terry, then?

Is it farewell from John Terry? (Adam Davy/PA)

Terry says he will not play in England, for another Premier League club. He can expect lucrative offers from abroad, particularly in Major League Soccer in the United States and the Chinese Super League.

China would be an intriguing option as Terry went there on a personal publicity tour last summer. Former Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari manages Guangzhou Evergrande, while Dan Petrescu, who played alongside Terry at Stamford Bridge, is in charge of Jiangsu Suning.

How will Chelsea cope without Terry?

Will the Blues cope without JT? (Scott Heppell/AP/PA)

Terry has long been a central figure to the Blues' success, but also a symbol of the lack of progress of their home-grown talent. Chelsea are building for the future and some might say they need to free themselves of the past to do so.

They made bids for Everton's John Stones last summer, but with a lack of Champions League football next season, it may be difficult to attract the calibre of player they desire.

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